Fanlo Piniés, M.

Palabras clave: english for medical purposes, needs analysis, course design

The aim of my research is to investigate the specific needs of 1st year students taking the course Scientific English for Medicine, in the degree of Medicine. The aim of this needs analysis is to become aware of the current students’ needs and preferences in order to help improve course design for future implementations. The needs analysis survey addresses issues related to the students’ current language abilities, and the students’ future needs, including their expectations about the course and about their future use of English as doctors. The results of the survey show both the need to develop current speaking and writing skills, and the students’ perceived importance of the speaking skill and oral communication for their future medical career. These conclusions should be taken into account to adapt the course’s learning objectives, contents, and activities in order to improve future implementations of the course.